Sermon Sketch Notesby Marsha Baker @blessinks Review

I have always been a note taker, doodler and journaling addict. BUT not an artist. I don’t have an artistic bone in my body. I don’t paint, craft, etc. I am artistically challenged. So when a few of my readers suggested to me there was a visual note taking method that I could implement in my sermon notebook I got busy finding the best teacher. Plus I had my fingers crossed that it did not include any art lessons or being able to draw more than a stick person.

As I researched the internet from the comfort of my own home, I came across the name Marsha Baker of Blessinks who published a copy of her book “Sermon Sketch Notes” an easy step-by-step guide on using visual note taking to reflect on sermons and Bible passages.

I loved the fact that this guide was a step-by-step tutorial. So whether you are a good artist or like me a novice this book will benefit you.

Now that I’ve piqued your interest if you were like me when sermon sketchnoting entered your vocabulary you are probably asking, “What is sermon sketchnoting?” I will paraphrase what Marsha says! I am sure that most of us are at least familiar with some form of note taking. Whether in school, college, at work or in church we’ve all taken some form of notes. Now me, I am an avid sermon note taker. I have my own version of short hand and I listen aptly while the pastor preaches and I take notes. I question things that he says that I have not heard before so I can look up them later in the Word of God. I want to know the truth and I let the truth be the final deciding factor. Not the words I hear. Or maybe you are reading a book and you read something that strikes a chord within you. Do you write it down? Your a note-taker. I have books and books of sermon notes, quotes, Scripture that applies to my life that I don’t want to forget. Marsha showed me a better way to take these notes. So if you are hungry for more than may I suggest you grab your very own copy of “Sermon Sketchnotes” I am sure you won’t be disappointed, I know I wasn’t.

Marsha shares that sermon note taking is a time for active listening and we can participate in this worship through our note taking. By adding the visual element we can deepen our listening and worship experience. Don’t let the size of this book fool you. It is power packed with helpful steps to help you begin your own personal journey in connecting with God.

While taking notes and drawing I actually retained more of the message preached in each service.

I was able to return to the sketch note page from previous sermons and know recall the message over again and take it deeper if necessary.

One thing that Marsha is adamant about is that Sermon Sketching is not drawing. That as you can tell put my heart at ease after opening the book and reading it through. But if you are a artist you will be blessed to create visual creations that rival those of us who struggle to draw a straight line. I wasn’t creating art creations I was creating visual elements to help me connect with the Word and messaged shared. I have found that when I Sermon Sketching that I am totally engaged in the Lord, His Word and what is being shared. I know visual note taking may not be for everyone, remember I was a bit skeptical at the beginning too. I approached this new endeavor by praying and seeking the Lord’s guidance through the Holy Spirit. I asked Him to help me to see the Word visually and to help me be open to new thought processes that would draw me closer to Him. Then, I just sat there and listened.

Here is an example of Marsha’s Sermon Sketching page (I am too shy to share my own crude figures and lines). I would love to hear what you think. Marsha has graciously agreed to give away here on my blog one copy of the Sermon Sketchnote book. Details will be at the end of the post.

Now for the part you’ve all been waiting for. How do you get your very own copy of Sermon Sketchnotes? Well as I alluded to above Marsha has agreed to give one copy away here on my blog. How do you enter? Just a few simple rules:

Share some of your own visual sketches here in the comment section, you can leave a link for me to follow will earn you a second entry.

So don’t delay, visit the blessink webpage right now and get sharing, sketching and note taking. This drawing will end on February 20, 2016 at Midnight and the winner will be posted the next day.

Don’t worry if you don’t win you can purchase your very own copy of Sermon Sketchnotes on Marsha’s site and read more about the awesome products she shares and her blog posts about visual notetaking.

Until Next Time,

M

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I received one Sermon Sketchnotes from Blessinks to use in exchange for my honest product review. There are No affiliate links (money-making ideas) included in this post. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255:“Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”